Monthly Archives: December 2010

Why do ID thieves work so hard to steal information?

December 30, 2010 – 8:33 am

Why do identity thieves do what they do? Is it just for money? Or is there something more?
We all know that when identity thieves strike, they make long-term financial commitments, like taking out mortgages or buying cars, using the victim’s credit history. They also establish, use and abandon dozens of charge accounts without paying. They [...]

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Man sues city for identity theft

December 29, 2010 – 8:25 am

A Virginia Beach man says he can’t get a job because his identity was stolen in El Paso, Texas.
John Shelby was arrested on a trespassing charge in El Paso years ago, but the charge was dropped before it went to court. But because his name and mug shot were in the system, his information could [...]

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Public Wi-Fi connections may be convenient, but are they safe?

December 28, 2010 – 9:47 am

Wireless connections have made the Internet much more accessible and convenient for people everywhere, especially for those who travel frequently. Wireless connections are available in our homes, offices, restaurants, parks, hotels, airports, cars and even on airplanes. This mobility allows us to be connected anywhere, anytime, and on numerous devices.
But is it safe?
Wi-Fi was [...]

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This Christmas, give the gift that keeps on giving

December 21, 2010 – 8:34 am

Still can’t decide what to give the person who has everything this Christmas? How about peace of mind?
Everyone is concerned about protecting their identity these days. In this age of daily technological advances and connectivity, if you sign up for or receive any kind of service, then your personal information is out there. Protecting this [...]

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Victimized by ID thief? File that report!

December 20, 2010 – 8:22 am

Nearly 12 million people, about 5 percent of the U.S. population ages 16 and older, were victims of identity theft in the past two years, according to a Department of Justice report released recently.
The report found that the most common type of theft was unauthorized use of an existing credit card, followed at second by [...]

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Myths about identity theft are out there

December 15, 2010 – 8:41 am

Despite all of the information floating around about identity theft, there are still some myths out there – and as the old saying goes, what you don’t know can hurt you. Here are some of those misconceptions:
• Identity theft always involves credit cards. Although credit card fraud is the No. 1 category of identity theft [...]

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Walgreen, Twitter report data breaches

December 14, 2010 – 8:05 am

Walgreen Co., McDonalds and Twitter reported unrelated security breaches Monday.
Walgreen said hackers who gained access to a list of customer e-mail addresses may have sent spam directing customers to enter personal data into outside Web sites, while McDonald’s said private information that customers supplied when signing up for online promotions or subscriptions was exposed [...]

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McDonald’s hacker gets access to customer info

December 13, 2010 – 10:15 am

McDonald’s customers may be facing more than just lots of calories and fat. The fast food giant has issued a statement that a hacker has garnered thousands of customer details.
The data was gathered through various customer promotions and includes users’ ages, contact information like addresses and mobile numbers, and general preferences. But the statement [...]

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Chicago utility prosecuting women who stolen identities, set up utilities

December 10, 2010 – 8:50 am

A Chicago gas company was cheated out of more than $500,000 by two women who used stolen information to fraudulently set up utilities for hundreds of residents.
Peoples Gas representatives say they aren’t sure just how much money was taken, although they estimate it was at least more than a half million dollars. The fraudulent accounts [...]

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Woman buys breast implants with stolen information

December 9, 2010 – 9:40 am

A South Florida woman is heading to prison after admitting she stole another woman’s identity and racked up thousands in credit card bills.
Shatarka Nuby, 29, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison this week. She pleaded guilty to identity theft and credit card fraud charges. She charged nearly $20,000 in bills.
Nuby used [...]

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